Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich with Creamy Slaw

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich with Creamy Slaw

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of American barbecue with this irresistible Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich, crowned with a vibrant, creamy slaw. This dish isn't just food; it's a celebration of comfort and flavor, deeply rooted in the traditions of Southern cuisine. Historically, pulled pork emerged as a way to utilize tougher cuts of meat, slow-cooking them to fork-tender perfection. Our recipe honors this legacy, transforming humble pork shoulder into a smoky, succulent masterpiece that practically melts in your mouth. Nestled in a soft, pillowy brioche bun, the rich, savory pork, generously coated in a tangy BBQ sauce, creates a symphony of taste and texture. But the magic doesn't stop there. A bright, crunchy, and refreshing creamy coleslaw provides the perfect acidic counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the meat and adding an essential textural element. This harmonious balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy makes every bite an adventure. Perfect for backyard gatherings, game days, or simply a hearty family meal, this sandwich transcends the ordinary. It's an American classic, a true comfort food that brings people together, evoking memories of sunny picnics and good times. Get ready to create a masterpiece of sandwich artistry that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Preparation time
30 min
Cooking time
8 hrs
Total time
8 hrs 30 min
Servings
6

Instructions

Prepare the Pulled Pork

  1. 1In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to make the rub.
  2. 2Pat the pork shoulder pieces dry with paper towels. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
  3. 3Place the chopped onion in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the seasoned pork shoulder. Pour in the chicken broth.
  4. 4Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  5. 5Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Reserve the cooking liquid.
  6. 6Using two forks, shred the pork. Discard any large pieces of fat or connective tissue. Stir in 1 to 1.5 cups of the barbecue sauce, adding more if desired, and a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist.

Make the Creamy Coleslaw

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage (if using), and shredded carrot.
  2. 2In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. 3Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. 1Lightly toast the brioche buns, if desired.
  2. 2Pile a generous amount of the warm pulled pork onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
  3. 3Top the pulled pork with a scoop of the creamy coleslaw.
  4. 4Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich. Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce and dill pickle slices on the side.

Nutrition Information

Calories
750 kcal
Protein
45 g
Fat
40 g
Carbs
50 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories750 kcal
Protein45 g
Fat40 g
Carbs50 g

Tips

  • For an extra flavorful crust, sear the pork shoulder on all sides in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • To keep the pork moist when reheating, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth before warming.
  • Enhance your sandwich bar by offering different BBQ sauces and pickle varieties.

By Chef Michael Ilin